A nurse is reinforcing discharge education to a client who has hypokalemia. Which of the following suggestions should be included in the teaching plan?
Report new-onset muscle weakness
Increase consumption of apples and broccoli
Avoid salt substitutes
Report falls, due to high risk of osteoporosis
The Correct Answer is A
A. Report new-onset muscle weakness: Hypokalemia can cause muscle weakness, cramps, and fatigue, which are important symptoms that need to be monitored. Reporting these symptoms promptly is crucial because severe hypokalemia can lead to life-threatening complications, such as respiratory failure or cardiac arrhythmias.
B. Increase consumption of apples and broccoli: While fruits and vegetables like apples and broccoli are healthy, they are not particularly high in potassium. The client should be encouraged to consume potassium-rich foods such as bananas, oranges, potatoes, and spinach to help correct hypokalemia.
C. Avoid salt substitutes: Some salt substitutes contain potassium chloride, which can actually help increase potassium levels. However, this option might be recommended in certain conditions where potassium levels need to be carefully controlled, such as in renal failure, not in hypokalemia management.
D. Report falls, due to high risk of osteoporosis: Hypokalemia does not directly increase the risk of osteoporosis. Falls may occur due to muscle weakness, but this is not specifically related to osteoporosis. Therefore, reporting falls is not the primary concern in hypokalemia.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["C","D"]
Explanation
A. Repeat blood serum potassium: While it’s important to monitor potassium levels, the immediate priority when preparing to administer potassium is ensuring safe administration practices, not rechecking levels before initiating therapy.
B. Educate client regarding high-potassium food sources: Client education is important for long-term management but is not a priority when preparing for intravenous potassium replacement in an acute setting.
C. Cardiac monitoring during infusion: Potassium affects cardiac conduction, and rapid correction can lead to arrhythmias. Continuous cardiac monitoring is necessary to detect any life-threatening arrhythmias during the infusion.
D. Ensure that the client's urine output is at least 1 mL/kg/hour: Adequate urine output ensures that the kidneys are functioning and capable of excreting excess potassium, reducing the risk of hyperkalemia.
E. Ensure potassium infusion is prepared with 5% dextrose solution: Potassium should not be mixed with dextrose, as it can increase insulin release, causing potassium to shift into cells and worsen hypokalemia.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Avoid vitamin supplements during therapy: This is not generally advised for isoniazid therapy. In fact, vitamin B6 supplements are often recommended to prevent peripheral neuropathy caused by isoniazid.
B. Drink alcohol in small amounts only: Alcohol can increase the risk of liver toxicity when taking isoniazid. It is typically advised to avoid alcohol altogether during treatment.
C. Report yellow eyes or skin immediately: Isoniazid can cause liver toxicity, which can lead to jaundice (yellowing of the eyes and skin). This is a serious side effect and should be reported immediately to prevent further liver damage.
D. Increase intake of Swiss or aged cheeses: This recommendation is not related to isoniazid therapy. Aged cheeses are more relevant to patients on monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) due to tyramine content.
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